Topical Encyclopedia The chamois is a species of antelope that is mentioned in the context of biblical dietary laws. In the Bible, the chamois is listed among the clean animals that the Israelites were permitted to eat. The reference to the chamois can be found in Deuteronomy 14:5, where it is included in a list of animals that are considered clean: "the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep" . The term "chamois" in this context is often understood to refer to a type of wild goat or antelope native to the mountainous regions of the Near East.The chamois is characterized by its agility and ability to navigate rugged terrain, which is a trait shared by many animals mentioned in the biblical lists of clean animals. These animals were typically herbivorous and possessed cloven hooves, which were among the criteria for being considered clean according to Levitical law. The chamois, with its sure-footedness and ability to thrive in high altitudes, symbolizes the provision and abundance of God's creation, offering sustenance to His people. In biblical times, the chamois would have been a familiar sight to the Israelites, especially those living in or near mountainous regions. Its inclusion in the dietary laws underscores the importance of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, a practice that was central to maintaining ritual purity and obedience to God's commandments. The chamois, like other clean animals, served as a reminder of God's covenant with His people, emphasizing the need for holiness and separation from the practices of surrounding nations. By adhering to these dietary laws, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to living according to God's statutes and their identity as His chosen people. While the exact identification of the chamois in the biblical text may be subject to scholarly debate, its symbolic significance remains clear. It represents God's provision and the call to holiness, themes that resonate throughout the Scriptures. The chamois, as a clean animal, is a testament to the order and purpose inherent in God's creation, reflecting His care and concern for His people. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 14:5The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois. Nave's Topical Index Library The Evolution of a Father Resources Chamois: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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